Can essential oils solve your skin problems?

Experts share everything you need to know about incorporating essential oils into your beauty and wellness routine

Credit: Showbit
Credit: Showbit
Share this article

For centuries, essential oils have been lauded as elixirs that can alleviate period pains and migraines, relieve stress and even clarify the skin. 

These essential oils are “highly concentrated plant extracts obtained through various methods such as steam distillation, cold pressing or solvent extract. They capture the natural aroma and beneficial healing properties of plants, including flowers, leaves, bark, and roots, according to HYSSES founder and managing director Cheryl Gan. And lately, the age-old tradition of incorporating essential oils has experienced somewhat of a resurgence. 

Now, a number of beauty brands are infusing these plant extracts in their products. French luxury beauty brand Clarins recently launched its Aromas line that features body lotions and washes that harness the therapeutic properties of essential oils to release tension while hydrating and softening skin. Meanwhile, vegan haircare brand Secret Professionnel created a pre-shampoo Secret Scalp Booster that sources five different types of essential oils (rosemary, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus and cajeput) to decongest an overloaded scalp. 

“The aromatherapy market has grown rapidly (as a result of) the pandemic because of its antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil, for instance, is used in hand sanitisers,” explains Jerry Kim, founder of Korean aromatherapy brand AROMATICA. According to Kim, these essential oils have a lot more to offer than just fighting bacteria. “They can be a stimulus to your skin cells with their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effect. This in turn helps to boost skin health and boost circulation.” 

While they certainly can be a boon for your skin, Kim acknowledges that some essential oils are riskier and more likely to cause allergic reactions and skin irritation – lemongrass and ylang ylang, for instance, (depending on the percentage used) might cause rashes and redness when used in skincare. 

But that shouldn’t stop you from reaping the other benefits of the oils, “essential oils can be a helpful addition to a healthy lifestyle, but it is important to use them safely and with caution,” Gan adds. 

“There are right and wrong ways to use essential oils. It is important to learn about the proper dilution rates and methods of application. For example, some essential oils should be used topically, while others can be inhaled or diffused.” 

Kim agrees, “when used in a lower dosage, essential oils are typically not harmful to the skin and are less likely to cause allergies compared to synthetic fragrances.” Adding that AROMATICA uses less than 0.5 per cent essential oils in their products. 

That said, as a rule of thumb, before introducing essential oils into your beauty or wellness routine, Gan cautions that you should “dilute the oils in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or sweet almond oil (the amount of essential oil added should be no more than one per cent of the total volume of carrier oil) before using them on the skin as they are highly concentrated and consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils if you have any underlying health conditions.” 

“Do a patch test before applying them on a large area of skin. To do this, apply a small amount of diluted essential oil to a small area of skin on your inner arm or wrist. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any irritation,” she elaborates.

A cure for wellness?

When it comes down to it, the experts agree that in spite of their benefits, essential oils should not be used as a curative treatment for any illness. 

“There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that essential oils can cure diseases. While some essential oils may have beneficial effects, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment,” Gan says. 

Dermatology Senior Resident at National Skin Centre, Dr Chng Wei Qiang, points out that using essential oils as an alternative form of medicine is not recommended due to a “lack of robust medical evidence for medical conditions.” 

In a nutshell: when it comes to essential oils, it’s better to err on the side of caution. “Essential oils are powerful substances and can be harmful if not used properly. It is important to follow the directions on the label and to use essential oils with caution,” Gan warns. And when in doubt, it’s always wise to consult an expert. 

For relieving stress and tension: Ylang-ylang, chamomile and lavender

Credit: L'Occitane
1/5

Try: L'Occitane Shea Lavender Liquid Soap Eco-Refill, $42

For rejuvenating skin: Rosemary and frankincense

Credit: Aromatica
2/5

Aromatica Frankincense Youth Renewal Cream, price unavailable

For mood-boosting: Grapefruit, orange and bergamot

Credit: Fields of Yarrow
3/5

Fields of Yarrow Day & Night - Eye Care Gua Sha Set, $72

For pain relief: Peppermint, eucalyptus or wintergreen

Credit: Nécessaire
4/5

Nécessaire Eucalyptus-fragranced body wash refill, US$49.78 (approximately S$67)

For revitalising and mental focus: Peppermint and rosemary

Credit: The Powder Shampoo
5/5

The Powder Shampoo Invigorating & Stimulating Shampoo, from $15.90

 

Share this article